The brain is made up of different areas or lobes as they are called.
In the brain information is transmitted between things called neurons.
When the normal flow of information is disrupted by a chemical or electrical imbalance a seizure occurs.
When only one part of the brain is affected this is called a partial or focal seizure.
SIMPLE PARTIAL:
During seizure activity a person does not loose consciousness.
COMPLEX PARTIAL:
During seizure activity a person may become confused.
WITH SECONDARY GENERALIZATION:
Seizure spreads to the whole brain.
When the whole brain is affected this is called a generalized seizure.
TONIC CLONIC (GRAND MAL):
Muscles contract. Body becomes rigid. Loss of consciousness. Convulsions. Person turns blue due to depleted oxygen supplies in the blood.
TONIC:
Body becomes rigid. Loss of consciousness but no convulsions.
ATONIC:
Often referred to as a 'Drop Attack'. Person collapses like a puppet whose strings have been cut.
ABSENCE (PETIT MAL):
Lapse in consciousness. Person stares or appears to blank out.
MYOCLONIC:
Muscle contractions. Various parts of the body jerk. Brief loss of consciousness.
STATUS EPILEPTICUS:
A person is said to be in status when they have no time to recover from their seizures. The most serious form of status is a continuous series of tonic-clonic seizures. In the event of status seek urgent medical attention.
ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM OR EEG:
Standard test which consists of attaching metallic pads to the head so that a recording of the brain's activity can be recorded. An EEG usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OR MRI:
Uses magnetic fields and radio waves. The purpose of the MRI is to try and discover if the brain has any lesions or scarring. MRI scans are usually carried out to see if someone is suitable for brain surgery.
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY OR CT/CAT:
The CAT scan uses X-ray to discover any structural abnormalities in the brain.
POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY OR PET:
The PET scan is used to see how the brain is functioning. The scan is able to do this by monitoring blood flow in the brain. This kind of scan is not often used due to the radiation hazard.
Q: Is epilepsy contagious?
A: No
Q: Can infections cause epilepsy?
A: Yes. Approximately 1 person in 4 develops epilepsy due to an infection.
Q: How many people suffer from epilepsy?
A: Approximately 0.7% of the population, although some researchers put the figure as high as 1.7%.
Q: Is there anywhere I can get hold of statistics relating to the success of the different treatments available?
A: You can visit: http://www.kidsepilepsy.com/
Please bare in mind however that just because one treatment appears to be more successful than another this doesn't mean that the treatment would be appropriate for your child.
Q: Have there been any famous people who have suffered from epilepsy?
A: Julius Caesar, Joan of Arc, Napoleon, Vincent van Gogh, Pythagoras, Richard Burton, Blaise Pascal, Alfred Nobel, Neil Young, Charles Dickens, Hector Berlioz, Max Clifford, Lewis Carrol, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Edgar Allen Poe, Alexander the Great, Margaux Hemingway, Isaac Newton, William Pitt and many others.
Q: Does my child need a protective helmet?
A: If your child is having repeated seizures during the day it is strongly advisable. Especially if your child has frequent 'drop-attacks'.
Q: Should medication be given at exactly the same time everyday?
A: It is good to establish a routine but medication does not have to be given precisely at the same time everyday. It is worth bearing in mind that the 1/2 life of the different anticonvulsants varies a great deal and this should be taken into consideration when determining the correct time to administer medication. If you have any doubts it is best to discuss the matter with your GP.
Q: I don't understand what my doctor is talking about, what should I do?
A: If there is something you're not sure about ask. That's what doctors are there for.
Q: Is it a good idea to keep a record of seizures?
A: Yes. Knowing the type and frequency of your child's seizures can help you and your doctor determine whether the drugs your child is on are appropriate or not.
Q: Where can I find out more about respite?
A: You should contact your local social services or talk to your child's social worker if you have been allocated one.
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